Leland+ for MBA

Activities & Interests Overview for MBA Candidates

This video explains how to approach the activities and interests section of MBA applications.

Essay Branding Analysis & Example

Learn to build a compelling MBA application narrative by transforming your personal story into a powerful statement of purpose and ambition

MIT Sloan Cover Letter: Learn by Doing

See a compelling MIT Sloan MBA cover letter example, highlighting practical experience, leadership, and a "learn by doing" philosophy.

MIT Sloan Optional Essay

An essay on a personal mission of giving back, influenced by family history and demonstrated with community advocacy and mentorship.

Stanford GSB Letter of Recommendation - Intellectual, Committed Learner

This letter of recommendation emphasizes the applicant's intellectual maturity, commitment to continuous learning, and strong desire to contribute positively to various communities, citing her experiences in Rwanda and her proactive involvement in team-building and educational activities.

Framing Professional Potential and Full-Time Work Experience

Learn how to position your full-time plans (after finishing your undergraduate degree) for the MBA programs you're applying to.

Kellogg Essay and Short Answer Examples – Leadership, Culture, and Collaboration

A compelling set of responses reflecting on cross-cultural leadership, collaborative problem-solving, and a deep commitment to values like solidarity, inclusion, and ethical influence in high-stakes environments.

Maximizing Your Campus Visit

This guide emphasizes the importance of campus visits for prospective students, offering advice on when and how to visit, what to observe, key questions to ask, and strategies for managing visit expenses.

HBS Example Essay: Identity, Impact & Social Enterprise

Discover how one applicant's unique identity drives their ambition to lead social impact and reshape systems through an HBS MBA.

How to Write the Kellogg Purpose & Leadership Essay

A top MBA admissions expert analyzes a successful Kellogg essay and shares how to answer the prompt, "Kellogg’s purpose is to educate, equip and inspire brave leaders who create lasting value."

Letter of Rec Example - M7 Admit

A deep dive into an impactful letter of recommendation. See how a powerful LOR can help you stand out and get into a top M7 MBA program.

HBS Essay Example: Engineering Innovation & Impact

See how this deferred HBS admit, an engineer and innovator, navigated uncertainty and championed LGBTQ+ inclusion.

Activities & Interests: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t let small errors hurt your app—fix these frequent slip-ups in the activities section.

Planning Your MBA Application

Evaluate deadlines and application components to ensure you give yourself time to create a great application!

Kellogg Leadership Essay Example - Brave Leaders Create Value

This essay responds to a Kellogg MBA application prompt: "Provide a recent example where you have demonstrated leadership and created value. What challenges did you face and what did you learn?"

Kellogg Values Essay Example - Discovering Values and Purposeful Work

Explore this essay answering: "Values are what guide you in your life and work. What values are important to you and how have they influenced you?" See how this applicant's journey discovering their personal values shaped their goals.

Applying to MBA Programs with a Nontraditional Background

A guide to crafting a compelling MBA application that highlights your unique strengths as a nontraditional candidate.

HBS Post-Interview Reflection Examples

Learn how to write a powerful HBS post-interview reflection. See examples of how to convey new insights and reinforce your candidacy.